Sikkim quake toll rises to 60; many more deaths feared

Three days after a devastating earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck large parts of north-east India, particularly Sikkim, it was becoming evident that the horror is likely to get worse before it abates.

The quake has also destroyed a hydroelectric power plant in Saffo, north Sikkim, and authorities fear that some 40 workers inside the plant may have perished within minutes. Dozens of others are feared trapped at the plant site; there is no word yet on how many workers were there.

The hydel plant on the Teesta River is managed by Teesta Urja Co, a joint venture between a Hyderabad-based company and the Sikkim power department.

Rescue and relief teams are still trying to reach thousands of people trapped in villages in remote areas. Meanwhile, thick fog on Tuesday made it difficult for the Army copters to land in quake-hit areas for relief and rescue work.

Rescue work re-gathered pace today, with the fog having lifted considerably. Authorities have been able to reach Mangan, the epicentre of the quake.

Seven more bodies have been found in the quake rubble, taking the death toll in the calamity in Sikkim alone to 60; while the overall death toll is around 90, including in neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Nepal.